It had been a frustrating few days for the DMLE teams. There had been several sighting of all three of the wanted Death Eaters, but they'd left no trace for the teams to follow. Tensions were high in the office as they waited for a break-through.
"Hey, what are you doing on the weekend? Your first full one off, right?" asked Ron.
Harry nodded as he searched his desk for a particular file. "Yeah, looking forward to. IF we don't get called in," he said.
Ron frowned. "Yeah. Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to go to a Quidditch game this Saturday? Harpies versus Cannons."
Harry looked over at him. "I'd love to, but I promised Rose I'd take her to a match, and she's been on my back to take her. Plus, she's having Ali over for a sleepover Friday night, till around lunchtime."
Ron smiled. "No problems. I can get tickets for all four of us. You, me and the girls. I was going to come and get Ali from yours anyway and take her. She wants to see her Mum."
"Ginny will be there?" asked Harry.
"'Course," said Ron, giving Harry a strange look. "Why?"
"Oh, no reason," said Harry, nonchalantly.
He didn't fool Ron for a minute.
"So, I'll come to yours about twelve, we can get lunch at the stadium. Match starts at one. Okay?" asked Ron.
"I'll check with Rose tonight, but I'm sure she'll be thrilled. It sounds great, thanks Ron."
Ron smiled at him, and they went back to reading their case files.
HGHGHG
Ginny Apparated with Ali on Friday night. The girls greeted each other, and Ginny even gave Lily a hug.
"We've missed you this week."
Lily beamed and hugged her back.
"We're going to a Quidditch match tomorrow, and I'll be able to check out the Harpies," she told Ginny.
Ginny laughed. "I know. I'll look for you and wave."
"You won't be sitting with us?" asked Lily, disappointed.
So was Harry.
A look of surprise was on Ginny's face, then mischief, as she realised that Jay and Rose didn't know she played for the Harpies. Ali opened her mouth to tell them, but her mum shot her a quick look and slightly shook her head.
"No, I can't. I'll be working there, though. See if you can find me. Ali's not allowed to tell you," she said, seeing the same mischievous look in Lily's eyes that she was sure was on her own face seconds earlier.
"Okay," sighed Lily. "Come on Ali, lets put your bags in my room."
The two girls left, leaving Harry and Ginny alone.
"So, you're going to tell me, aren't you?" asked Harry, smiling.
"No way. I'd like to see you try and figure this out for yourself," teased Ginny.
Harry took a step closer to her. "You know, I am an Auror. We do have ways of getting information out of people," he said, smiling.
Ginny's heart fluttered as she took a step towards him. "You know, I am the sister of Fred and George Weasley. I have ways of getting out of things like you wouldn't believe. So bring it on, Mr Auror," she smirked.
Harry took a step closer again, wondering if she could hear the pounding of his heart. "Maybe I'll put Veritaserum in your coffee," he teased.
Ginny winced as if in pain. "No fair, you can't use your coffee machine. That's dirty tactics, and I won't play dirty."
She took a step toward him, wondering if he could feel the heat she was feeling. "Yet," she said, in a breathless voice.
'And we have lift off', thought Harry, feeling his erection grow. He lifted his hand to run her gorgeous hair through his fingers. "Well now, you will tell me when you're ready, won't you," he said softly.
Ginny stared into his beautiful green eyes. "Ready for what?" she asked, also softly.
"To play dirty," Harry whispered in her ear.
Ginny let out a little moan, and it shot straight to Harry's groin. He pulled back and looked at her lips. She was so nervous, she licked them. Harry moved closer, and so did Ginny.
"Dad, can I get-what are you doing?" asked Lily, running into the room, yet skidding to a stop when she saw how close her dad and Ginny were standing. Ali was behind her and nearly ran into her.
"I had something in my hair, and your dad got it out for me. Thanks, Jay," said a red faced Ginny, taking a step away.
"Mum, your face is all red. Are you okay? You can't get sick for tomorrow," said Ali.
"No, I'm fine, honest love. Just a bit hot, actually," said Ginny, waving her hands across her face to cool herself off.
She chanced a look at James, and was glad to see he looked as unsettled as she was feeling. He shot her a look, and she gave him a little weak smile.
"I should go. Things to do, you know. Ali, love, be good and listen to Mr Evans. If you need me for anything, you can floo. Any time, Jay. I mean it," said Ginny, hugging Ali.
Harry noticed that Ali was looking a bit pale. "Have you had a sleepover before?" he asked her.
She nodded. "At the Burrow, all the time."
Harry noticed Ginny looked a bit worried. "I'm sure you'll be fine. We're going to make some popcorn, and watch a movie. If you want your Mum any time, just let me or Rose know, and we can get her, or take you to her. Okay?" asked Harry, gently.
From the safety of her Mum's arms, Ali nodded. Ginny mouthed a silent 'thank you' to Harry, and he nodded. Looking at her mouth was not a good idea at the moment. His erection was subsiding, but he didn't think it would take much to bring it back.
Ginny hugged Ali, and Lily moved closer. Harry saw her hesitate, watching Ginny and Ali. Ginny must have sensed her, as she raised her head. She drew Lily in too, hugging the two girls together. She did it so naturally. Harry actually envied his daughter at that moment.
"I'll look after you, Ali. You'll be fine. I promise, Ginny, we'll have a fun time," said Lily.
Ginny ran her hand over Lily's head. "Thank you sweety. You're a good friend. I'm glad you two girls found each other, and became friends."
"Best friends," corrected Lily and Ali at the same time. They looked at each other and giggled.
"On that note, I should go," said Ginny. She paused to give each girl a kiss. "Have fun, and I'll see you tomorrow."
"Come on, Ali, let's go pick out a movie to watch. I thought we could paint our nails for tomorrow's match. Orange and green? What do you think?" asked Lily.
Ginny didn't wait to hear her daughter's reply. She walked to the door, Harry close behind.
"I can't persuade you to stay for a coffee?" asked Harry, hopefully.
"And risk revealing all my secrets because of the Veritaserum? Sorry," said Ginny, shaking her head.
"Maybe I wouldn't use Veritaserum this time. I do have something that's just as dangerous, you know," said Harry, leaning against the door.
"Oh, and what's that?" asked Ginny, amused. She wished he didn't look so damn sexy leaning there like that, and looking at her like that.
"My charm," said Harry, giving her a cheeky smile.
"Hmm, you're right, that is more dangerous. Add in the coffee, and you're almost irresistible. So, I'm going to have to pass."
She turned to walk away, when he called her name. She turned back, to see his eyes twinkling.
"That invitation you made earlier, to floo over any time? I may have to take you up on that someday."
Ginny gave him a sexy little smile. "Someday soon, I hope. And bring your coffee machine!"
Winking, she turned and walked away. Harry enjoyed that view as well as the flirty banter.
HGHGHG
Ron Apparated over just before twelve, and to Harry's surprise, he had Teddy with him. Harry realised he should have been spending more time with Teddy; he was the boy's godfather. He owed it to Remus and Tonks to take him under his wing. Teddy was getting to the age when he needed some male guidance.
The girls came out of Lily's bedroom, and greeted Ron and Teddy. Ali had on a Harpies shirt, and had painted her nails green. Lily had done her hair in a high ponytail, and added a green ribbon.
"You look real nice, Ali," said Ron.
"Sure do," said Teddy.
Ali smiled shyly. "Thanks Uncle Ron, Teddy."
Lily came out, and Harry saw that Ali had braided her long red hair for her. Lily had painted one hand green and the other hand orange.
"I'm going to pick a team to follow today," she explained, after being introduced to Ron.
He smiled. "Well, you can't go wrong with the Cannons. They're a great team and ..."
Ron barely stopped talking about the Cannons even as they took a Portkey and arrived at the stadium. He showed the tickets, and they made their way up to their seats.
"...and that's why you should pick the Cannons!" declared Ron.
"Thanks, Mr Weasley, I'll certainly take all that into consideration," said Lily, keeping a straight face. Behind him, Ali and Teddy were laughing.
"These are great seats," said Harry, looking around. "Prime, really."
"Yeah, well, I have connections," said Ron, winking at Ali and Teddy.
Harry smiled. "It's something to do with Ginny, isn't it? What does she do, sell the tickets or something?"
Ron nodded and grinned. "Something like that. Here comes the guy selling food. Hot dogs and hot chips for everyone? Oy, mate, over here," he called to the vendor.
They sat eating their food. Harry had his eye out for Ginny. Teddy and Ron were discussing the new recruits for each side.
"Here they come," cried Lily, nearly spilling her drink in her excitement.
The Chudley Cannons came out out first. They got a big cheer from their faithful fans. They were always so optimistic at the beginning of the season. It was only as the season wore on, and the victories seemed impossible, that they got discouraged. Then the talk would turn to next year, with the hope that things would be better.
Lily stood up and cheered with Ron, who grinned at her. "You might be our good luck charm," he told her.
'Charm'. It reminded Harry of his flirting with Ginny the night before. He wished she were here.
"Here come the Harpies," cried Ali, jumping to her feet. Lily stayed standing and cheered them, too.
"I'm still undecided," she told Ron.
"There's Mum," cried Ali, pointing.
Harry jumped to his feet, not noticing Ron's smirk. "Where?" he asked. He and Lily were looking around for Ginny.
"There," pointed Ali.
Harry and Lily followed Ali's pointed finger. There in the middle of the stadium, flying around, was Ginny. She did a few loops, then flew close to where they were sitting.
"Hi," she called, and waved. A whistle blew and she waved again, and flew down to join her team.
Harry, Lily and Ali sat down. "Your Mum plays Quidditch? Professionally?" stammered Lily.
"Yep," said Ali, proudly. "She's the best Chaser they've got. They've won the League three times since she joined them, and she's won the Best Player award twice."
Harry and Lily stared at her. "What?" she asked, defensively.
"That. Is. So. Cool!" shrieked Lily. "Go Ginny, Go Harpies," she called.
"Go Harpies," called Teddy and Ali. They soon had the crowd chanting with them.
Ron sighed. "Lost another fan," he said, shaking his head.
Harry's eyes barely left Ginny for the whole match. She only played for short bursts, allowing the team to rotate, and the new recruits to get more time on the pitch. Even when she was in the bunker with the resting team, he followed her movements.
He couldn't believe he hadn't guessed. All the signs were there. She was amazing, he thought, with a smile.
The whistle sounded and the match came to an end. The Harpies had won 220-60. Ron shrugged and mumbled something about it being a long season. The girls and Teddy chattered happily about the game.
The crowd started to disperse. "Shall we go?" asked Harry.
"Nah, not yet. I told Gin I'd bring Ali down to her, and she said to bring you, too. Didn't I mention it?" teased Ron.
"We're going down to the change rooms?" asked Lily, excitedly.
"Yep," said Ron.
"Good. I haven't seen Auntie Gwen for a long time. She'll be surprised how much I've grown," said Ali.
"Okay, I think we can go now," said Ron. "Follow me."
They left the stands and headed for the rooms. A crowd of fans had gathered outside the Harpies rooms, waiting for autographs and photos. A security guard nodded as Ron held up a pass, and allowed them through.
Lily looked awed as she looked around at everything. Harry put his arm over her shoulders, and could feel her shiver with anticipation. He was feeling a bit excited himself.
"Mum," cried Ali, running on ahead, and throwing herself into her mum's arms. "You played great."
"Thanks, sweety. Hi, Teddy, Rose. Hi, Jay," said Ginny.
"Great match, Auntie Gin," cried Teddy. "Can you show me that move you did when we go flying next week?"
Ginny laughed, that wonderful laugh that Harry loved to hear. "Sure. But you know I can't give away Harpy secrets, especially to a boy."
Teddy laughed, and Lily stepped forward. "That was so, so brilliant...you are amazing," she said to Ginny, seriously.
Ginny smiled at her, and took her in her arms. "Thank you sweety. Tell me, did you or your Dad guess?"
Lily shook her head, but Harry stepped forward. "I knew it all the time," he lied, with a wink to her.
"Dad, you did not!" cried Lily. Harry and Ginny just laughed.
Ginny turned to them all. "Come on in. We're not having a team meeting now, we'll have it on Monday. Ali, Gwen wants to see you. Rose, why don't you come and meet the team. Teddy, I'll just have to check that everyone is suitably dressed, okay? Same goes for you, Jay."
Lily, Ali and Ginny walked away. "Why can't I go in with them, what does it matter what they're wearing, anyway," grumbled Teddy.
"I think it's more a case of, what they're NOT wearing?" said Ron, chuckling.
Harry joined him as Teddy blushed. Five minutes later, Ginny beckoned them to come in and join them.
It was a hive of activity. Reporters were fluttering around, and the players had their families visiting too. It was pretty easy going while the trial games were on. Harry was sure security would be a lot tighter during the real season.
"Dad, look what I got?" shrieked Lily.
She was wearing a Harpies t-shirt, scarf and beanie. She turned around and Harry saw 'Weasley' printed across the back.
"Looks good on you, kid," said a tough female voice.
Harry and Lily turned to see Ali walking toward them with none other than Gwenog Jones. She was the coach of the Harpies, and had been their most noted player. She was known for being tough as nails, yet here she was, smiling down at Lily and Ali.
Lily's jaw dropped open. "Gwenog Jones! Oh. I'm a big fan. You are a true legend of the game," she breathed.
Gwenog smiled. "Always good to hear. You fly, kid?"
Lily nodded. "Just learning, though. I hope Ginny might teach me, like she teaches Teddy."
Gwenog nodded in approval. She smiled at Teddy, who blushed. "If Gin's training you, you're in good hands. Well, I better go and check on the others. Nice to meet you all. Bye Ali," she said, giving Ali a hug.
"Oh my, did that really just happen?" said Lily, in shock. "Did I really just meet Gwenog Jones?"
"I see Gwen made quite an impression on you," said Ginny, smiling at her. Lily just nodded. "Oh, Gwen asked me to give this to you," she said to Harry. She handed him a t-shirt. It too, was a Holyhead Harpies t-shirt, bearing Ginny's surname on it.
"Thanks," he said, huskily. Their eyes made contact and held, until Ron coughed, to remind them they weren't alone.
"So, we can go any time now," said Ginny. "I'm all done here."
"Do we have to go?" asked Lily.
Ginny laughed, and put an arm around her shoulders. "The season hasn't even started yet. You'll have lots of opportunities to come down to the rooms again," she said.
Lily beamed at her, then linked arms with Ali, they walked out singing the Harpies song. Ron and Teddy followed, the former shaking his head.
Harry and Ginny smiled as they watched them go. Harry glanced down at the t-shirt he was holding. "So, if I wear this to bed, I can honestly say, I was in bed with you," he teased.
"Ah, but the t-shirt says Weasley. It would mean that you were in bed with a Weasley. I have five brothers, you know. And Ron is your partner," teased Ginny, back.
"What? No, I meant, but you can't...I'm not like that," spluttered Harry, blushing furiously.
"Gotcha," said Ginny, leaning her face into his.
Harry stilled. All he had to do was lean closer, and they could finally kiss. Closer, closer, closer-
"Oy, you guys coming, or what?" called Ron.
They broke apart and smiled sheepishly at each other. Together they walked down the corridor to the stadium entrance. Their hands were swinging close together. Harry used his pinky finger to grab her pinky finger to join them together. Ginny shot him a quick smile, and they stayed connected until they reached the others.
They all went their separate ways at the Apparition point. Ron was taking Teddy back to Andromedas, but not before Harry promised Teddy they'd get together soon. Harry and Lily departed next, but not before Harry had given his okay for Rose to join Teddy and Ali for flying lessons at the Burrow, starting next week.
Lily stepped up and hugged Ginny. "Thank you for tonight. It was the best night of my life."
"You're welcome, Rose. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope your Dad did, too," said Ginny, hugging her back.
"I had a great time," said Harry.
"I'm glad," said Ginny, smiling that sexy smile again.
Ali and Lily were hugging each other goodbye. Ali turned to face Harry. "Thanks for having me, Mr Evans. Mum, we had the best breakfast. It was so yummy."
"Lucky girls, I had oatmeal, even I can't mess that up," chuckled Ginny.
Ali came to stand beside her mum. "Bye, Rose, see you Monday."
"Bye Ali, bye, Ginny. Thanks again," called Lily.
"Bye Rose, and you're welcome, again. See you Monday. Bye Jay," said Ginny, looking at his eyes.
They were burning brightly as he stared right at her. "Bye Ginny. Bye Ali."
That night, Ginny had the most erotic dream.
